Resources for Federal Employees
No matter where you’re at in your federal career, explore our resources and topics exclusively for Feds so you can feel secure along all the stages of your journey.
Short-Term Disability Insurance Guide
Why do I need it? How does it work? Where can I get it? WAEPA’s Short-Term Disability Insurance guide answers these questions and more to help Civilian Feds.
2024 FEHB Open Season Guide
The 2024 FEHB Open Season Guide is written for active Federal employees to help you navigate the variety of coverage options available this Open Season. There are 158 FEHB plans this year, which can be daunting and we’re sure this guide will help you make the best choices for your needs.
Federal Life Insurance: A Beginner’s Guide
Decisions about life insurance can be tough. Our guide gives you the straightforward information you need to help make the right decisions for you and your family.
Saving for Retirement Guide
This guide is designed to share several strategies and actionable steps for saving for retirement, regardless of where you might be in your saving journey.
Hybrid Work and the Hidden Impact to Your Finances Guide
This guide is designed to help current and former Civilian Federal Employees navigate their new work-life normal. With many organizations adopting a hybrid work model for employees, there are several key budget line items for employees to consider.
Pay and Leave in Weather Emergencies Guide
WAEPA’s Pay and Leave in Weather Emergencies Guide provides a summary of the benefits available to assist Federal agencies and employees coping with severe weather conditions or other emergency situations and their aftermath.
Veterans' Preference in Hiring
WAEPA’s Veterans’ Preference in Hiring Guide details many ways Veterans of the Armed Forces are given preference in appointments to Federal positions, including an overview of Congressional law and information on entitlement to benefits.
Losing a Loved One Guide
WAEPA’s Losing a Loved One Guide contains practical information to help get you through difficult days and tough decisions while supporting you and your family during this stressful time.
Caring for an Aging Loved One Guide
WAEPA’s Caring for an Aging Loved One Guide helps you assess and prepare for when a loved one needs care. It covers developing a care plan, organizing important documents, and how to provide support.
Health Insurance Guide
WAEPA’s Federal Insurance Guide contains all the latest information about the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB).
Preparing for FEHB Open Season
Date & Time Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET Presented By Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc....
Considering a Financial Planner?
Date & Time Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET Presented By Joe Sullender, CFP®, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides...
Estate Planning for Younger Families
Date & Time Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET Presented By Lacey Yegen, Esquire, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides...
Countdown to Retirement: Checklist for FERS Employees
Format & Duration On Demand | 58 minutes Presented By Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides high-quality benefits,...
Life Insurance 102: Reviewing Your Family’s Coverage
Format & Duration On Demand | 1 hour, 1 minute Presented By Karen Schaeffer, Certified Financial Planner® Professional, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides...
Disability Insurance – Who, What, When, and Why?
Format & Duration On Demand | 47 minutes Presented By Kaitlin Yardley, Certified Financial Planner® Professional, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides high-quality benefits,...
The Basics of the Thrift Savings Plan
Format & Duration On Demand | 1 hour, 3 minutes Presented By Kaitlin Yardley, Certified Financial Planner® Professional, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides...
Federal Insurances Overview and Open Season
Format & Duration On Demand | 1 hour Presented By Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). Since 1984, NITP has...
Estate Planning for Federal Employees
Format & Duration On Demand | 1 hour, 1 minute Presented By Marc Levine, Esquire, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). Since 1984, NITP has provided...
Financial Planning & TSP for Mid-Career Employees
Format & Duration On Demand | 1 hour, 1 minute Presented By Kaitlin Yardley, CFP®, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). Since 1984, NITP has provided...
Are You on Track for Retirement?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retirement planning, but now is a great time to check your progress and make sure you’re on the right path. Talking with a...
6 Essential Questions Answered about Federal Retirement Planning
Planning for your federal retirement is essential, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’ll encounter a range of considerations, from estimating expenses to optimizing pension options. This helpful checklist...
15 Tips on Understanding Social Security
Social Security retirement benefits can play a crucial role in your retirement planning. However, the rules and regulations surrounding these benefits can be complex and confusing. To make an informed...
9 Steps You Can Take Now to Help with Inflation
The impact of inflation is being felt in almost every aspect of everyday life. Necessities are more expensive than ever and challenging to absorb for many people’s individual and family...
5 Tips to Manage a Hybrid Work Life
A 2022 study1 found that 74% of U.S. companies are using or plan to permanently implement a hybrid work model. In fact, a hybrid work model may be a driver...
Tips for Part-Time Federal Employees & Job Sharing
The Federal Government has long recognized the value of part-time employment. In fact, legislation encouraging part-time employment for Federal employees has been in place since 1978. Part-time employees are represented...
12 Tips to Help Older Adults Survive a Disaster
Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, chemical spills, wildfires and other man-made and natural disasters can have long-lasting and sometimes permanent effects on communities and the older adults who live in them....
Security at Federal Buildings
A recent survey found that one third of Federal Employees said that they or a colleague had been threatened or harassed while doing their jobs. Employees are increasingly considering themselves...
Federal Jobs By College Major
Working for the Federal Government can be a wonderful career choice. However, finding the right job for you, based on your interest and academic major, can be a little confusing....
10 Ways to Pay Off Your Student Debt
In the United States, federal loans make up the vast majority of loans taken out by students – just over $1.48 trillion worth. Paying off student debt can be difficult,...
Pay & Benefits
How Are 2024 GS Pay Scales with Locality Calculated?
The end of the calendar year means possible General Schedule (GS) Pay Scales changes for the Federal workforce. Here’s an in-depth look at the essential details to help you navigate...
December 6, 2023
4 Min
Pay & Benefits
2024 FEHB Open Season: Changes to Consider
Each year, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers an annual Open Season period for Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB). During this time, you may evaluate your benefits and make...
November 9, 2023
4 Min
Retirement Planning
Best Dates for FERS Employees to Retire in 2024
There’s so much to think about when it comes to retirement. One often-overlooked detail is choosing the right retirement date. As a Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) employee, your retirement...
October 25, 2023
4 min
Life Insurance
How Can I Enhance My Life Insurance Coverage?
WAEPA has offered Group Term Life Insurance coverage exclusively for current and former Civilian Federal Employees since 1943. With two add-on options, the Chronic Illness Rider and Automatic Benefit Increase...
October 10, 2023
4 min
College Funding
Student Loan Pause is Ending
Federal student loan payments have been paused since March 2020, when the CARES Act was signed into law, and the suspension has been extended many times since then. Federal student...
September 29, 2023
2 min
Life Insurance
What Should I Expect From the Life Insurance Underwriting Process?
A life insurance policy is one of the most important purchases you can make in terms of protecting your family’s financial future. While the application and medical underwriting process can...
August 31, 2023
5 min
Financial Wellness
Improve Your Finances with a Financial Fast
In today’s world, where we are constantly bombarded with advertisements and encouraged to spend money, it can be difficult to take a step back and assess our spending habits. A...
July 25, 2023
3 min
Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability Insurance for Federal Employees
According to the Council for Disability Awareness, over one in four twenty-year olds can expect to become disabled before reaching retirement age. Are you financially prepared for a disability? Short-Term...
June 29, 2023
3 min
Financial Wellness
A New Law Could Boost Your Retirement Savings
The SECURE 2.0 Act builds on an earlier law intended to strengthen Americans’ ability to save for a financially secure retirement. Here are just a few highlights of what’s changed,...
June 7, 2023
3 min
Financial Wellness
What is Financial Wellness (and Why Does it Matter)?
The state of our finances is top of mind for many of us, particularly with the rising cost of living in recent years. Now, more than ever, investing in your...
April 21, 2023
5 min